US20020163176A1

US20020163176A1 - Editorial or stationery article, such as diary, exercise-book, book, magazine, newspaper, file-holder, etc., having special ergonomic features

Info

Publication number: US20020163176A1
Application number: US10/176,836
Authority: US
Inventors: Marco Mazza
Original assignee: Zamaz Srl
Current assignee: Zamaz Srl
Priority date: 1999-12-28
Filing date: 2002-06-21
Publication date: 2002-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-28
Also published as: EP1246725A1; BR0016811A; IT248996Y1; AU2546501A; US6742811B2; CZ20022257A3; WO2001047712A1; ITCN990004U1

Abstract

An editorial and stationery article, such as a diary, exercise-book, book, magazine, newspaper, file-holder, etc., having particular ergonomic features, characterized in that it has a structure that can be opened as a book, with sheets or pages of quadrilateral shape, with the back or spine side oblique to the upper and lower sides, so that in the open position at least the lower sides converge towards the opening central axis, with convergence according to the obliquity angle of the spine side with respect to said upper and lower sides, so as to have a substantially user-enveloping configuration.

Description

The present invention relates to an editorial and stationery article, such as, e.g., a diary, exercise-book, register, book, magazine, newspaper, file-holder, address-book, etc.

Object of the invention is enabling, during the use, that is, in the active conformation, a better harmony with the physiological functionality of the human anatomical structure with respect to the already known above mentioned articles, both while reading and writing, in harmony with the natural movements peculiar to the human body and to the morphological human features, thus enabling a field of vision having an arched shape while reading as well as while writing when the object is used for writing, so as to reduce the motility of the wrist and of the thumb-forefinger pliers which support the writing instrument, and to better suit the wrist articulation, thus rendering the writing movements easier and more natural, and reducing the visual and muscular stresses of the user during said uses, with respect to the normally and traditionally imposed body positions while using articles of the above mentioned kind.

Another object is further reducing stressing events and to be in greater harmony and sintony with the physiological functionality of the human anatomical structure, also during the non-use passive conformations, such as for example a better ease of handling and seizing it while walking, while moving or transporting the product, or while standing, or while placing the product from the archives or taking it from the suitable holding and filing structures, such as bookcases, shelvings, etc.

A further object is providing a practical, simple, functional and advantageous solution, both for manufacture and ease of use.

These objects are achieved by the invention by providing an editorial and stationery article, such as a diary, exercise-book, book, magazine, newspaper, file-holder, etc., having particular ergonomic features, characterized in that it has a structure that can be opened as a book, with sheets or pages of quadrilateral shape, with the back or spine side oblique to the upper and lower sides, so that in the open position at least the lower sides converge towards the opening central axis, with convergence according to the obliquity angle of the spine side with respect to said upper and lower sides, so as to have a substantially user-enveloping configuration.

These and other features of the invention and the advantages deriving therefrom will appear from the following detailed description of some embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0006]
FIG. 1 is a top frontal view of a product according to the invention, in the closed position; [0007]
FIG. 2 shows the same product in the open position, in a top frontal view and laying on a plane; [0008]
FIGS. [0009] 3 to 6 show the product in some different conditions of use and precisely while writing in FIG. 3, while reading in the case that the product is intended to be a magazine or book in FIG. 4, while reading in the case that the product is intended to be a newspaper in FIG. 5, whereas FIG. 6 shows the seizing with a hand of a product according to the invention, e.g. a diary;
FIGS. [0010] 7 to 10 show the product according to the invention in passive conformations, that is, of non-use (writing or reading) and precisely in the case that the user is standing and walks while holding the product next to his chest in FIG. 7 and next to his side in FIG. 8, while placing it into archives in high shelvings in FIG. 9 and in low shelvings in FIG. 10;
in FIG. 11 a product according to the invention is illustrated in an open position on a horizontal plane.[0011]
With reference to the figures and first to FIGS. 1 and 2 the product according to the invention has a structure that can be opened as a book, with sheets or [0012] pages 16 of quadrilateral shape, with the back or spine side 10 oblique to the upper and lower sides 11 and 12, so that in the open position (FIG. 2) at least the lower sides converge towards the opening central axis 13 at the back 10, with convergence according to the obliquity angle A of the spine side 10 with respect to said upper and lower sides 11, so as to have a substantially user-enveloping configuration.
Said obliquity angle A can have any suitable value and preferably is lower or equal to 45°. [0013]
According to a preferred embodiment, said obliquity angle A is about 10°. [0014]
In the illustrated embodiments and according to a preferred embodiment, the sheets or [0015] pages 16 have the shape of right-angled trapezium (FIGS. 1 and 2) wherein the oblique side coincides with the back or spine side 10 along which the opening occurs according to axis 13, the lower and upper sides, respectively 11 and 12, which are therefore parallel to each other, whereas in the opened position (FIG. 2) the two sides, respectively 14 and 15, which are symmetrically facing the opening central axis 13 are converging towards the user and the two lower sides 11 are oriented as to converge towards the opening central axis 13.
According to the particular feature of the invention, the product is provided with particular ergonomic features, which enable the visual and muscular stresses to be reduced when it is in the active conformation that is while reading or writing, according to the destination of use, with respect to the body positions normally and traditionally imposed during the above mentioned activities. [0016]
According to another particular feature of the invention, the particular ergonomic features enable the stressing events to be further reduced and to be in greater harmony and syntony with the anatomical physiology of the human body even during the passive conformations (closed position of the product) of non-use, for example while moving or transporting the object, while the user is standing, walking, or while he is placing or taking the product from the suitable holding and filing structures, such as book-cases, shelvings, etc. [0017]
FIGS. [0018] 3 to 6 show the product as an article on which it is possible to write, such as a register or an exercise-book Q. The conformation of the product and the possibility to write according to suitably inclined lines which altogether have a substantially arched and enveloping shape with respect to the body of the user, make lighter the motility of the wrist and of the thumb-forefinger pliers which support the writing instrument (not shown), and the angle which is necessary for reaching every side of the volume is reduced; the elbow does not need any more to move away from the chest and the shoulder does not need to be involved in the effort. It follows that the complex writing function, which requires small, fine movements, coordinated by many articulations and by a considerable muscular work, is made easier.
FIGS. 3 and 4 refer to the use of the product when it is used for reading, e.g., of a magazine or book R in FIG. 4 and newspaper G in FIG. 5, respectively. The misalignment of the two [0019] sides 11 due to the obliquity angle A (FIGS. 1 and 2) when the product is open (FIG. 2), is well adapted to the physiological angulation which is provided at the wrist; the fulcrum consisting in the spine between the misaligned pages matches and coincides with the articulation of the supporting wrist and makes easier the physiological prehensile function. Particularly, the functional syntony between the morphological features of the product and the physiological functions of the human anatomical structure has to be considered. In fact, the socially imposed positions of the body, such as sitting on chairs having the back at 90°, the twisting movements of the bust for using the telephone or computer keyboards, do not respect the postural hygiene as indicated by the specialists of the field who are oriented towards the prevention; the defective positions also involve a stressing effort for the eye motility, which is generally forced in an unnatural alignment of the extrinsic eye musculature along parallel lines; also the cervical column position and functionality while sitting, standing or laying must be more mobile and less compelled to carry out forced and unnatural movements.
Therefore, the product according to the invention reduces the stress of the eye musculature and on the control of the cervical vertebra and back of the neck, thus enabling a visual field of an arched shape while reading; also in the laying position the volume can be easily supported by the crossed arms and reading appears physiological according to an arched line along the frontal body wall. [0020]
FIG. 6 shows another situation of use for reading for example a book or diary L, which is held in one hand, thus confirming the handling ease, due to the misalignment of the two sides [0021] 11 (FIG. 2) in the open position which is adapted in a natural way to the physiological angulation of the supporting wrist.
Still according to the above mentioned features of syntony with morphological and goniometric human factors due to the above mentioned obliquity angle A (FIGS. 1 and 2), particularly in syntony and harmony with the physiological angulation which is provided at the wrist and of the articulation of the fingers of the hand while seizing, advantageous ergonomic features are conferred to the product also in the situations of non-use (passive conformation) in the closed positions (FIGS. [0022] 7 to 10), for example while the product is moved, while walking, standing, such as in the situation of FIG. 7 while seizing and gripping the product P along back 10 and carrying it at the user's chest, or while seizing and gripping the product P along back 10, carrying it at the side as shown in FIG. 8.
Still according to the above mentioned concepts, the seizing in further situations of passive conformation is made easier, such as placing the product P in shelvings or other holding structures, upwards, while the seizing fingers are oriented upwards along back [0023] 10, as shown in FIG. 9, or placing the product P in shelvings and the like, downwards, while the seizing fingers are oriented downwards along back 10, as shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 11 shows a product P according to the invention which can be easily arranged in the open position on a horizontal plane, as if on a reading desk, thanks to the above mentioned conformation. [0024]
Still in the passive conformation, that is, in the closed position, the product according to the invention has further advantages, such as for example that it is easily located by the user for a ready consultation, because its [0025] back 10, thanks to the obliquity of angle A, is projecting outwards thus allowing for an immediate seizing by the user.
The product according to the invention can be provided with sheets or pages [0026] 16 (FIG. 2) which can be held together by any suitable means, according to the specific destination and needs of utilization, for example by means of various types of bindings, e.g. with spiral, stitching, stapling, ligature, seams, etc., or simply with pages 16 which can be turned and opened along the opening or folding line 13, such as in newspapers.
Still according to the specific needs and destinations of use, the product according to the invention can be provided either as a single piece, or with pages or [0027] sheets 16 which can be removed or taken off, separately or in bifacial solutions, with possibility of reinserting them and restoring the initial conditions, such as in registers, file-holders, bill-books, etc.
The sheets or [0028] pages 16 can be provided in any suitable material, according to the specific needs and destinations of use, e.g. preferably in paper or cardboard. A cover of any suitable material, the same material as that used for the sheets or pages 16 or different therefrom, can be provided.
Said sheets or [0029] pages 16 can be made of a transparent laminar material, for example plastic material, having the function of containing documents or sheets therein inserted, in the case of file-holders, registers, bill-books, etc.
The invention is therefore not limited to the embodiments herewith described and illustrated, but it also comprises the models that provide for the same utility, by using the same innovative concept. [0030]
From the above, it appears that the invention can be varied and modified, altogether or in the particulars, according to the specific needs and convenience of manufacture and use, within the range of the technical and functional equivalents, without leaving the innovative concept illustrated above and claimed in the following. [0031]

Claims

1. An editorial and stationery article, such as a diary, exercise-book, book, magazine, newspaper, file-holder, etc., having particular ergonomic features, characterized in that it has a structure that can be opened as a book, with sheets or pages of quadrilateral shape, with the back or spine side oblique to the upper and lower sides, so that in the open position at least the lower sides converge towards the opening central axis, with convergence according to the obliquity angle of the spine side with respect to said upper and lower sides, so as to have a substantially user-enveloping configuration.

2. An editorial and stationery article according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said obliquity angle can have any suitable value and preferably is lower or equal to 45°.

3. An editorial and stationery article according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said obliquity angle, according to a preferred embodiment, is about 10°.

4. An editorial and stationery article according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sheets or pages can be held together by any suitable means, according to the specific destination and needs of utilization, for example by means of various types of bindings, e.g. with spiral, stitching, stapling, ligature, seam, etc., or simply with pages which can be turned and opened along the opening or folding line, such as in newspapers.

5. An editorial and stationery article according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be provided, according to the specific needs and destinations of use, either as a single piece, or with pages or sheets which can be removed or taken off, separately or in bifacial solutions, with possibility of reinserting them and restoring the initial conditions, such as registers, file-holders, bill-books, etc.

6. An editorial and stationery article according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheets or pages can be provided in any suitable material, according to the specific needs and destinations of use, e.g. preferably in paper or cardboard.

7. An editorial and stationery product according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be provided with a cover of any suitable material, the same material as that used for the sheets or pages or different therefrom.

8. An editorial and stationery article according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheets or pages can be made of a transparent laminar material, for example plastic material, having the function of containing documents or sheets therein inserted, in the case of file-holders, registers, bill-books, etc.

9. An editorial and stationery product according to the preceding claims, characterized in that according to a preferred embodiment, the sheets or pages have the shape of a right-angled trapezium wherein the oblique side coincides with the back or spine side along which the opening occurs, the upper and lower sides are therefore parallel to each other, whereas in the opened position the two sides which are symmetrically facing the opening central axis are converging towards the user and the two lower sides are oriented as to converge towards the opening central axis.

10. Editorial and stationery article, such as a diary, book, magazine, newspaper, file-holder, etc., with particular ergonomic features, as illustrated by the preceding description, as well as any part thereof, alone or in combination.